Epilepsy is complex and multifaceted; consequently, a myriad of specialists, including epileptologists, neuroscientists, geneticists, physicists, chemists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers, have contributed to the total body of knowledge about this often devastating disease. Individual researchers often struggle to keep pace with, let alone integrate, findings and techniques from disciplines beyond their area of expertise. For example, a researcher focusing on genetic models of epilepsy may have difficulty understanding results from state-of-the-art computer modeling and vice versa.

A primary goal of this meeting is to aid cross-fertilization between disciplines. To facilitate this, the first part of the symposium will provide a foundation of basic tutorials on research technologies for the non-specialist. Each tutorial will focus on a specific tool or research area. They will begin by covering the basics and then proceed to applications in epilepsy research, including potential advantages and pitfalls. The second half of the symposium will contain talks describing state-of-the-art research in each area.